Tuesday, November 13 -
The Senate stands adjourned pursuant to the provisions of S. Res. 684, and does so as a further mark of respect for the late former Sen. Ben Tidings of Maryland.
The Senate will next convene...

Senator Portman: (3:40 p.m.)
Spoke on Republican economic policy.
"In fact, the Congressional Budget Office which is the nonpartisan group up here that tells us what our growth numbers are likely to look ...

Senator Tillis: (1:28 p.m.)
Spoke on Pastor Andrew Brunson.
"His name is Andrew Brunson. He's a Presbyterian minister from North Carolina that in 2016 under the emergency orders in Turkey, President E...

Senator Merkley: (11:14 a.m.)
Spoke on U.S. immigration policy.
"Now, you may think that this is something that is far-fetched. Of course the United States would not establish internment camps, but the fa...

Senator Schumer: (10:22 a.m.)
Spoke on Hurricane Michael.
"First, let me say to the people of Florida, Georgia, and everyone else affected by Hurricane Michael that our thoughts and hearts are with you. H...

Today -
The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.
Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #640, Jeffrey Bossert Clark, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Attorney General.
A...

Happy birthday, @jiminhofe, who is pictured here speaking with constituents from Oklahoma as they make their annual March trip to Washington, D.C.

We wish a very happy birthday to @senpattoomey, pictured here speaking at the Committee of Seventy in Philadelphia.

We are pleased to welcome the new Republican senators-elect for the 116th Congress. View our story to learn more about our newest members.

Today, we honor our veterans, including @senpatroberts who served in the Marines from 1958 to 1962. To all who served, thank you. 🇺🇸 #VeteransDay

Sen. Thune here, for my last post in today’s #ThuneTakeover. I’m very proud of the bipartisan #FAAReauthorization Act we passed. When @realdonaldtrump signed it into law on October 5, it not only created new protections and enhancements for the traveling public and the aviation industry as a whole, but provides a stable policy direction for the aviation community for the next five years.

Sen. Thune here, back for today’s #ThuneTakeover. The #FAAReauthorization Act is the longest reauthorization of the FAA since 1982. In the lead-up to this bill we spent months holding hearings and listening to passengers, carriers, manufacturers, safety and security experts, and the FAA and TSA to develop a bill that will help modernize airport infrastructure, improve service and consumer protections for the flying public, enhance transportation safety and security, and boost innovation in the aviation industry.

@senjohnthune here, taking over the @senategop Instagram account to tell you about the Commerce Committee’s work on the #FAAReauthorization Act of 2018. The aviation industry plays a significant role in both the economy and the lives of Americans, accounting for more than 5% of U.S. gross domestic product and 10.6 million American jobs. This Congress, we were able to pass a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the FAA for five years and make needed TSA reforms. #ThuneTakeover

This week, @realdonaldtrump signed the #OpioidCrisisResponse Act of 2018 into law. @senlamaralexander, @sencapito, @senrobportman and Sen. Cassidy were in attendance along with other members of Congress of both parties who championed the bill. This landmark legislation takes strong measures to combat the opioid crisis. It will encourage recovery, provide support for caregivers and families, and drive innovation and long-term solutions.

Today, ahead of National #TakeBackDay, the U.S. Senate worked with the DEA to host Federal Take Back Day – providing a location where members of the Senate community can safely and responsibly dispose of unused prescription medications. National Take Back Day is one important component of the response to the prescription drug abuse epidemic. The Senate is committed to addressing this crisis. For more information about National Take Back Day, including the locations of prescription drug collection sites near you, please visit takebackday.dea.gov.

Sen. Inhofe here for the final post in today’s #InhofeTakeover. Not only did we work hard to ensure that the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act provided our men and women in uniform the training, resources, and equipment needed to complete their missions, but it was passed and signed in record time—the earliest in 40 years. This allowed us—for the first time in 10 years—to pass defense appropriations to fully fund the military before the start of the fiscal year. I am incredibly proud of our collective work on this year’s NDAA and I am eager to continue to work to rebuild our military.

I’m back again for the #InhofeTakeover to talk about our journey to pass the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act. While putting this legislation together, we set out to ensure it took the critical steps needed to strengthen our military readiness and provide a well-deserved pay raise for our troops. I’m happy to say that the bill delivered.

Sen. Inhofe here and I want to take the time to recognize the man the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act was named after. Sen. McCain left behind a legacy of service and sacrifice that will not be forgotten. He was a fighter—a fighter for the military and a fighter for democratic values around the world. We will miss him dearly and I am so proud to have worked with him on important defense issues over the years. Take a look at our story to learn more about the benefits of Sen. McCain’s namesake legislation. #InhofeTakeover

WASHINGTON — This morning the Senate Republican Conference elected its leadership team for the 116th Congress: Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as Senate Republican leader, Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) as Senate president pro temp...

“It is my honor to have been asked by my colleagues to continue serving as Majority Leader. I look forward to working alongside this talented leadership team to honor our colleagues’ trust and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. The American people re-hired this Republican majority to build on the successes of the past two years and keep delivering results for them. We intend to do exactly that,” Sen. McConnell said.

“This is an honor for me and the state of Iowa. The President pro tempore is one of a handful of offices specifically named by the Founders in the Constitution,” Sen. Grassley said. “I may only be three heartbeats away from the Oval Office, but my heart is and always will be in Iowa and here in the U.S. Senate, where I’ve worked for the people of Iowa and our nation for 38 years. My commitment to representative government and the deliberative body of the U.S. Senate is stronger than ever. I’ll work to see that we uphold the Senate as a check on the executive and judicial branches of government, including our constitutional authority to provide advice and consent.”

“During the 115th Congress, Republicans came together to achieve significant reforms for the American people,” Sen. Thune said. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue this important work in a new role as Senate Majority whip. By working together with Leader McConnell, President Trump, and our colleagues in the House, I am confident we will be able to build on our recent achievements — ensuring our economy keeps growing and the quality of life for all Americans continues to improve.”

“I am honored my colleagues have given me the opportunity to chair the Republican Conference. Our expanded Republican majority will continue working hard on issues that are important to the people of Wyoming and all Americans: good jobs, quality healthcare, lower energy costs and a safe and secure nation. We will continue filling vacancies in the federal judicial system with qualified, mainstream judges. I am grateful for my colleagues’ trust. I look forward to working with the Conference and the administration to find solutions to the challenges facing our country,” Sen. Barrasso said.

“It’s an honor to continue serving in the Republican leadership in the Senate and I thank my colleagues for their support. Working together and with the Trump administration, we have enacted policies to strengthen our economy, rebuild the military, keep our promises to veterans, and help hardworking families get ahead. I look forward to working with our entire conference to continue advancing policies that reflect the priorities of the people we serve,” Sen. Blunt said.

“I want to thank my colleagues for the tremendous opportunity to represent them in leadership. The Senate Republican conference is strong and will only get better the more we work together. I seek to serve as a strong voice in leadership, while also bringing new ideas and a fresh face to the team. Whether I am fighting for our servicemembers and our country’s global interests, or finding solutions to rural America’s challenges – I seek to make Iowans and all Americans proud,” Sen. Ernst said.

“I’m grateful that my colleagues have elected me to serve as Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. I look forward to bringing Indiana’s voice to the leadership table as we work to strengthen and protect our Majority and continue building on the Republican-led accomplishments of the last two years,” Sen. Young said.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Commerce’s announcement that the economy grew at 3.5 pe...

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Commerce’s announcement that the economy grew at 3.5 percent in the third quarter.

“Republicans came to Washington, D.C., to revitalize our economy, and we continue to deliver on our promises. Today’s news is more evidence that Republican-led reforms to create policies and a regulatory environment that foster growth are working. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed last year, more than 1.8 million jobs have been created, and our economy is thriving. Unemployment remains at its lowest level since 1969, and there are now nearly 1 million more job openings than unemployed workers. Today’s revitalized economy is just what job creators need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and increase wages for hardworking Americans.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today applauded the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan America’s Water Infrastructure Act, a comprehensive water r...

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today applauded the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan America’s Water Infrastructure Act, a comprehensive water resources infrastructure bill that will authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects for port, waterway, flood protection, and other water infrastructure improvements; reauthorize the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the first time in two decades; and improve several energy-related projects, among many other provisions. The bill, which was approved by a vote of 99-1, now heads to the president to be signed into law.

“For years, the Republican-led Senate has been delivering positive results for the American people, and today’s passage of this bipartisan infrastructure legislation is one more accomplishment we can add to the list,” said Thune. “This bill, which will benefit all 50 states, including South Dakota, will make important investments in infrastructure, help keep America’s communities safe and healthy, cut burdensome government red tape, and contribute to additional economic growth.”

Highlights:

Maintains the prohibition on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal to charge for surplus water on the Missouri River. During consideration of the Water Resources and Development Act of 2014, Thune worked to secure a 10-year prohibition on the Corps’ controversial surplus water proposal. This legislation extends that prohibition for an additional two years and expands it to include water storage fees;

Expedites the review of certain easement requests on the Upper Missouri Mainstem reservoirs. As a result of the Corps’ proposal to charge for surplus water taken from Missouri River reservoirs, the Corps has failed to process certain easement requests. This legislation will ensure that the Corps responds to these easement requests in a timely manner; and

Expands eligible Tribal Partnership Program projects from $10 million to $12.5 million and allows separable project components to be completed under the program. In an effort to help address significant shoreline erosion that is affecting the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, in 2014, Thune secured language directing the Corps to review shoreline erosion projects in the Upper Missouri River Basin. This legislation provides additional flexibility for this and other projects to move forward.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement regarding the Senate confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
&ldquo...

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement regarding the Senate confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

“Judge Kavanaugh is a brilliant jurist who has spent 25 years of his life in public service. He has impeccable legal credentials and has consistently demonstrated a deep respect for our Constitution and the rule of law. Republicans came to Congress to ensure that the judges we confirm are dedicated to a faithful interpretation of the law. I have no doubt that Judge Kavanaugh will continue to demonstrate that commitment. With the confirmation of Justice Gorsuch last year and Judge Kavanaugh this year, Republicans have delivered on our promises. Judge Kavanaugh will be an asset to our nation’s highest court, and I wish him the very best as he takes up this new position.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ announcement that the unemployment rate d...

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ announcement that the unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level since 1969 (3.7 percent), and the economy added 134,000 jobs in September.

“Our economy keeps getting better. As a result of the positive reforms the Republican-led Congress implemented to grow our economy, more Americans are getting back to work. Unemployment is at its lowest rate since 1969. More than 1.8 million jobs have been created since the passage of historic tax reform. Wages are increasing, consumer sentiment is at a 17-year high, and investments from overseas are returning to the U.S. Republicans promised to improve the lives of Americans through economic growth, and today’s job report is more proof that we are delivering on those promises. Our pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda is working.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today released the following statement after the Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bipartisan pack...

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today released the following statement after the Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bipartisan package of Senate and House proposals, including Thune-authored proposals, to combat the opioid crisis. The bill will now head to the president for his signature.

“The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act combats the opioid crisis on multiple fronts, increasing treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts,” Thune said. “This was truly a bipartisan, bicameral effort, and this is one step toward ending this devastating epidemic. My provision included in the bill will equip rural communities with necessary tools to help those who are battling substance- use disorder. I look forward to seeing the president sign this bill into law so we can continue to help those who need it the most.”

Click here for more information on Thune’s opioid-related proposals that were included in the bill and here for an op-ed Thune penned shortly after the Senate passed its version of this legislation.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement on the passage of the ...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement on the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302), a five-year authorization of the federal aviation programs and a three-year reauthorization of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Headed to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature, the legislation will help modernize airport infrastructure, improve service for the flying public, enhance transportation safety and security, and boost aviation industry innovation.

“In creating new protections and enhancements for the flying public, this bill creates five years of stable policy direction for the aviation community,” Thune said. “Travelers, utilizing small and large airports, will benefit from investments in infrastructure, more efficient security screening, and the prompt return of fees for services they don’t receive. Innovators also get a needed boost from provisions enhancing the competitiveness of our aircraft manufacturers and the continued integration of unmanned aircraft into our airspace.”

Highlights of H.R. 302:

Modernizing airport infrastructure

Provides funding for airport development.

Increases flexibility to finance projects.

Requires TSA to make available, in airports and online, real-time information on security line waits.

Improving service for the flying public

Prohibits involuntary bumping of passengers who have already boarded.

Directs FAA to set minimum standards for airline seat sizes.

Requires private rooms for nursing mothers in large and medium airports.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement regarding the trilateral agreement with Mexico and Canada in the renegotiation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The dea...

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement regarding the trilateral agreement with Mexico and Canada in the renegotiation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The deal must be approved by Congress before it can take effect.

“Throughout this process, I’ve always believed a trilateral agreement would best serve American businesses, particularly South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers who depend on exporting a significant share of their products to Canada and Mexico,” said Thune. “While I’m still reviewing the details of the agreement, an improved NAFTA would be good for businesses, consumers, and the economy, and I hope we can continue pursuing pro-America trade deals with other countries around the world.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, today released a new accomplishments...

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, today released a new accomplishments webpage featuring the record of results Republicans have achieved to better the lives of the American people.

“It’s been nearly two years since the American people sent a conservative majority to Congress, and we are delivering results,” Thune and Barrasso said after releasing the Senate Republicans accomplishments page featuring legislative achievements reached under the Republican-led Senate. “From improving our economy to rolling back harmful Obama-era regulations, Republicans are keeping our promises. More Americans are getting back to work and seeing the benefits of historic tax reform. The Senate is confirming judicial nominees at a historic pace, and we continue to invest in our troops and rebuild our military. Senate Republicans are restoring regular order to Congress, and we will continue to put forward reforms to improve the lives of Americans everywhere.”

Background: The Senate Republican accomplishments webpage features fact sheets, videos, and graphics on various Republican achievements including legislation to reform our tax code and spur economic growth, improve public safety, restore regular order, support our troops, and confirm a historic number of judicial nominees. ###

It’s National Veterans and Military Families Month. This year’s National Defense Authorization Act gave our troops the largest pay raise in nearly 10 years to improve quality of life for them and their families. #NDAA

“Will Dems work with us, or simply put partisan politics ahead of country?”
Read on as Senator Mitch McConnell discusses the many bipartisan Senate accomplishments that signal great potential for a bipartisan Washington next Congress.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/sen-mitch-mcconnell-will-dems-work-with-us-or-simply-put-partisan-politics-ahead-of-the-country

“Small-Business Confidence Stays at a Near-Record High” More below in The Wall Street Journal as small-business confidence remains at near-record levels thanks to a strong labor market.⤵️
https://www.wsj.com/articles/small-business-confidence-stays-at-near-record-high-1542106806?mod=hp_major_pos10

“Policies are moving economy in the right direction”
Read more from John Boozman as he discusses the strong economic results produced by Republican policies.⤵️
http://www.swtimes.com/opinion/20181111/community-matters-policies-are-moving-economy-in-right-direction

“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides Americans with the relief they’ve been waiting for and ensures that America is ready to compete and win in the global marketplace.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, member of the Finance Committee, and conferee on the conference committee tasked with negotiating a final tax reform bill, issued the following statement today regarding the Senate’s final passage of the Tax C...

“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides Americans with the relief they’ve been waiting for and ensures that America is ready to compete and win in the global marketplace.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, member of the Finance Committee, and conferee on the conference committee tasked with negotiating a final tax reform bill, issued the following statement today regarding the Senate’s final passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

“This is a historic moment for our nation. For the first time since 1986, Congress has passed a comprehensive overhaul of the tax code. Our goal with this pro-growth tax reform package was to put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans and create a tax code that fosters economic growth. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act achieves that goal. Next year, families across America will see their tax bills drop and take-home pay increase, and businesses will find it easier to grow their operations, hire new workers, and raise wages. This legislation brings America’s tax system into the 21st century — benefiting workers and our economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides Americans with the relief they’ve been waiting for and ensures that America is ready to compete and win in the global marketplace.”

Senate Finance Press Contact: 202-224-4515, Katie Niederee and Julia Lawless
WASHINGTON – Today, members of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) House-Senate Conference Committee signed the conference report for this legislation and Conference Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) filed the conference report in the House. The bill will now move forward to be voted on next week by the entire House of Representatives and Senate.
With this bill, the typical family of four earning the me...

WASHINGTON – Today, members of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) House-Senate Conference Committee signed the conference report for this legislation and Conference Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) filed the conference report in the House. The bill will now move forward to be voted on next week by the entire House of Representatives and Senate.

With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059.

“Historic achievements are challenging and reforming the tax code is no different. From the outset, Republicans in Congress sought to develop a comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform bill that will grow the economy, jumpstart job creation, and increase take-home pay for hardworking American families. Over the last several months, we’ve kept a steady pace, allowing each chamber to work its will and produce legislation that will achieve our shared goal. And, over the last two weeks, conferees in the Senate and House have met, examined the merits of each bill, worked to reconcile the differences and found consensus to produce final bicameral legislation. Today marks a critical milestone in this endeavor and keeps us on track to deliver a comprehensive tax overhaul to the American people by year’s end.”

Chairman Brady said:

“This is a historic moment for the American people. For the first time in 31 years, the House and the Senate have now come together to deliver pro-growth tax reform that will help more Americans across our country keep more of their hard-earned money. This legislation will also grow our economy, make our companies of all sizes more competitive, and help prevent more American jobs from continuing to go overseas. I appreciate my colleagues’ hard work and look forward to voting on this bill in the House next week.”

CLICK HERE to read the full legislative text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

CLICK HERE to read the policy highlights in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

"This legislation will bring real relief to the middle class by taking money out of Washington’s pocket and putting it into theirs. It means a tax cut of more than $2,000 for a family of four earning $73,000. That’s real money in communities across Kentucky - from Owensboro to Covington. And only those who don’t know the struggles of hardworking American families could conclude otherwise."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the ...

"This legislation will bring real relief to the middle class by taking money out of Washington’s pocket and putting it into theirs. It means a tax cut of more than $2,000 for a family of four earning $73,000. That’s real money in communities across Kentucky - from Owensboro to Covington. And only those who don’t know the struggles of hardworking American families could conclude otherwise."

WASHINGTON, D.C. –

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Actconference report that was released today:

“First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the members of the Senate and the House who worked tirelessly to reconcile the differences between the two tax bills. What they have accomplished is critical for the future of our country – and that is no understatement. After 31 years, it’s about time.

“For too long, America has struggled to compete in an increasingly competitive world. For years, jobs and businesses have left our country. Meanwhile, middle-class families struggled to get by. For years, our nation suffered under an economy that failed them with lack luster economic growth and under a system that rewarded the few at the expense of the many.

“That’s changing with this legislation. China is already worried about this tax bill, because they know it will make America more competitive and spur greater investment here in America. This legislation will bring real relief to the middle class by taking money out of Washington’s pocket and putting it into theirs. It means a tax cut of more than$2,000 for a family of four earning $73,000. That’s real money in communities across Kentucky – from Paducah to Pikeville. And only those who don’t know the struggles of hardworking American families could conclude otherwise.

“Next week, the Senate will get this bill done so we can ensure the American people get the gift of real, meaningful tax relief this holiday season.”

“After years of economic stagnation, this bill will usher in a new era of economic dynamism in this country.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, member of the Finance Committee, and conferee on the conference committee tasked with negotiating a final tax reform bill, issued the following statement today regarding the House and Senate conference committee agreement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“Members of the Hous...

“After years of economic stagnation, this bill will usher in a new era of economic dynamism in this country.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, member of the Finance Committee, and conferee on the conference committee tasked with negotiating a final tax reform bill, issued the following statement today regarding the House and Senate conference committee agreement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

“Members of the House and Senate came together to finalize the details of a pro-growth tax reform bill that will provide Americans with more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks. By reducing individual tax rates, doubling the standard deduction, and increasing the child tax credit, our bill will ensure Americans are able to keep more of their hard-earned money. And by lowering taxes on job creators, our bill will foster an economic environment that will give Americans access to more jobs, higher wages, and better opportunities. Our final package delivers on the promise we made to provide real relief to hardworking Americans. After years of economic stagnation, this bill will usher in a new era of economic dynamism in this country. And it will send a message to the world that America is serious about competing and succeeding in the 21st century economy.”

Since January 2017, Thune has introduced numerous individual tax reform marker bills that cover multiple portions of the tax code. Thune-authored provisions included in the conference report to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are:

Modified portions of Thune’s Investment in New Ventures and Economic Success Today (INVEST) Act of 2017 (S. 1144), legislation that would simplify accounting rules and reform key parts of the tax code to help small and medium-sized business owners more quickly recover investment costs and certain other tax deductible business expenses. By accelerating cost recovery on property, equipment, inventory, and other common business investments, these provisions would encourage new business growth and help existing businesses, including farms and ranches, expand their operations, create new jobs, and grow the economy.

Provisions from Thune’s S Corporation Modernization Act of 2017 (S. 711) that would allow foreign individuals to invest in S corporations through Electing Small Business Trusts (ESBTs) and treat ESBTs like S corporation shareholders so both can claim deductions with respect to charitable contributions made by an S corporation. Thune also led efforts during the conference to ensure that trusts, including ESBTs, and estates benefit from the new deduction for owners of pass-through businesses like S corporations.

Thune doesn’t believe death should be a taxable event, which is why he introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act in January 2017 and still strongly supports this approach. The conference report to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes his provision from the Senate bill that would provide additional relief (compared to current law) to more of South Dakota’s family-run businesses, farms, and ranches that are currently threatened by the death tax, which is important progress.

Through his role as a member of the conference committee, Thune helped a number of other senators to include their shared priorities. Working with Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thune helped improve the new deduction for pass-through businesses so owners of agricultural cooperatives benefit from the 20 percent deduction. Thune also worked with Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Cory Gardner (Colo.), and Grassley to ensure that tax credits for renewable energy, like wind and solar, are taken into account under the new international tax rules.

There’s a lot of fake news out there on tax reform. Let us help bust some of Senate Democrats' myths for you.
Myth: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) claims that "one group of economists after another have looked at this bill and it won’t do a darned thing.”
Fact: 137 economists said, “Economic growth will accelerate” under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/29/137-economists-support-gop-tax-reform-bill-in-open-letter-commentary.html
...

There’s a lot of fake news out there on tax reform. Let us help bust some of Senate Democrats' myths for you.

Myth: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) claims that "one group of economists after another have looked at this bill and it won’t do a darned thing.”

“This tax reform package will turn the economic tide and help Americans get ahead.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement today regarding the Senate’s passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“For too long, Americans have struggled to make ends meet in a weak economy. Today the Senate has taken an important step forward in providing them with relief. By cutting taxes for middle-incom...

“This tax reform package will turn the economic tide and help Americans get ahead.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement today regarding the Senate’s passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

“For too long, Americans have struggled to make ends meet in a weak economy. Today the Senate has taken an important step forward in providing them with relief. By cutting taxes for middle-income Americans and providing job creators with the environment they need to hire more workers and increase wages, this tax reform package will turn the economic tide and help Americans get ahead. I commend Chairman Hatch and my colleagues for all the work they have done this year to ensure this bill made it over the finish line here in the Senate. I look forward to working with my Senate and House colleagues to ensure our pro-growth tax reform package is signed into law.”

“Our plan cuts taxes for Americans of all income groups and provides a substantial tax cut for middle-income families.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement regarding passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act out of the Senate Finance Committee today.
“Today Congress is one step closer to delivering a pro-growth tax reform package to the president’s desk. Senate Republicans on the Finan...

“Our plan cuts taxes for Americans of all income groups and provides a substantial tax cut for middle-income families.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement regarding passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act out of the Senate Finance Committee today.

“Today Congress is one step closer to delivering a pro-growth tax reform package to the president’s desk. Senate Republicans on the Finance Committee came together with the goal of ensuring Americans get to keep more of their hard-earned money. The provisions in our plan deliver that. Our plan cuts taxes for Americans of all income groups and provides a substantial tax cut for middle-income families. By doubling the standard deduction, cutting tax rates, and increasing the child tax credit, we’re able to put more money in the pockets of everyday Americans. And by repealing Obamacare’s unpopular individual mandate tax, we’re able to provide even more relief for middle-income earners. I commend Chairman Hatch for his leadership and my colleagues on the committee for their contributions. I look forward to continuing our work with members of both the Senate and the House to get this bill across the finish line.”

“This proposal is good news for American workers and American families.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement today regarding the Senate Finance Committee’s comprehensive tax reform plan based on the unified framework.
“Middle-income Americans are tired of struggling under a weak economy. They are ready for relief. This proposal is good news for American workers and American fami...

“This proposal is good news for American workers and American families.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement today regarding the Senate Finance Committee’s comprehensive tax reform plan based on the unified framework.

“Middle-income Americans are tired of struggling under a weak economy. They are ready for relief. This proposal is good news for American workers and American families. The proposal the Senate Finance Committee unveiled today lowers tax rates, doubles the standard deduction, and increases the child tax credit, all of which will put more money into the pockets of hardworking Americans and give them more flexibility to care for their families. By lowering taxes on small businesses and other job creators, our plan also makes the reforms necessary to boost our economy and give Americans access to the kinds of jobs, wages, and opportunities that will set them up for a secure future. I commend Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch for his leadership and look forward to working with our colleagues in the House and the Trump administration to ensure a pro-growth tax reform package is signed into law.”

“Through comprehensive tax reform, we will be able to provide Americans with more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement today regarding the House Ways and Means Committee’s release of a comprehensive tax reform bill based on the unified framework.
“For the first time in decades, we have an opportunity to fix our broken tax code and provid...

“Through comprehensive tax reform, we will be able to provide Americans with more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement today regarding the House Ways and Means Committee’s release of a comprehensive tax reform bill based on the unified framework.

“For the first time in decades, we have an opportunity to fix our broken tax code and provide better economic opportunity for middle-income Americans. Through comprehensive tax reform, we will be able to provide Americans with more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks. I commend House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and the members of his committee for their work on a bill that provides much-needed relief for American families. I look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues in the House to deliver a final pro-growth tax reform package to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”